The last day of 2015, and today we ported at Naples (meaning "new city"), booked in for a bus tour to the historic city of Pompeii and a drive along part of the Amalfi Coast.
The volcano of Mount Vesuvius looms ominously above the surrounding region. The last eruption was in 1944 and our guide said that prior to that, the eruptions occurred approximately every 60 years. Apparently there are 900,000 people living in the area around Mount Vesuvius, and a scientist has reportedly estimated that at its next eruption over 1 million people could be killed. Given that at the time of our visit we were about 11 years overdue, maybe it was best we were only here for a few hours :/
We arrived at the archeological wonder of Pompeii, the city abandoned and swallowed by volcanic ash in 79 AD. Excavation and the rediscovery of the hidden city didn't happen until 1748. While there are plenty of ruins, there is also a significant amount of the city still standing and these parts have been preserved in a way that is quite simply amazing.
Left to wander on your own without a guide, Pompeii could leave you with the impression of a stunning archeological wonder, that looks like it could almost resume as a functioning city today.
With our guide, however, it almost seems like "50 Shades of Pompeii". Symbols, and statues often are of a phallic nature, and coupled with erotic artwork (known as frescoes) in the brothels, it looks like Pompeii was quite the party town.
Back on the bus and down the Amalfi Coast we drove until we reached Sorrento, a charming coastal town.
We returned to the bus after lunch, and drove back up to Naples and boarded the ship once again for the onboard New Year's Eve celebrations. Tonight's towel animal was another rabbit.
New Year's Day was spent at sea, cruising onto Palma, Spain. Adam and us spent some time on the waterslides and in the hot tubs, although the weather was far from toasty. In the evening, the two of us went along to the onboard Priscilla Queen of the Desert theatre show, inspired by the Australian movie.
Highlights:
- Mount Vesuvius volcano
- Pompeii
- Tour bus ride along the Amalfi Coast
- Sorrento for lunch
- New Year's Eve
- Folded towel rabbit
- New Year's Day at sea
- Waterslides and hot tubs
- Priscilla Queen of the Desert theatre show
- Folded towel frog
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